Warner at the double as Swans fly into the next round of the cup with a hard-fought defeat of Eastbourne

Eastbourne United v Storrington John O'Hara League Cup 11 at The Oval September 7th 2013

Published:12:36Tuesday 10 September 2013

Share this article

Joe Warner scored a brace of goals as Storrington made John O’Hara Cup progress on Saturday.

Kelvin Hobden was also on target as Swans held off a late Eastbourne Utd AFC rally to win 3-2 and reach Round 3.

Swans were without Jason Downer, Chris Watton, Guy Strudwick, Will Garrett and Ollie Stechell, in were Gary Elliott for his first start in goal and Alex Forsey.

Swans had already faced United this season and lost 2-1 to a last minute winner and they started brightly with plenty of joy down either wing.

Eastbourne probably had more shots during the first half an hour without ever really troubling Elliott in goal but the Swans also looked good going forward.

Robertshaw had a good finish ruled out for offside before Warner got the breakthrough for the visitors with a clinical finish on 31 minutes as he was played in by Joe Howard.

As expected, EUAFC piled on the pressure straight after the goal and a poor defensive clearance saw Linton Rogers lob over the oncoming Gary Elliott for 1-1.

Swans started the second half a little sluggish and were punished just two minutes after the restart as Linton Rogers got his second, lashing in from close range. The visitors didn’t let their heads drop and started to once again get more joy. The midfield three of Rhodie, Ayres and Howard dug deep and the back four looked more comfortable.

On the hour mark Joe Warner got his second to level the game and ten minutes later Joe Howard was once again involved and knocked a lovely chip down the line which saw Hobden leave his man for dead and smash a lobbed drive first time past the United keeper.

A frenetic last 15 minute ensued as United piled forward, but some determined defending and some excellent saves from an inspired Elliott in goal saw Swans see out victory. Swans face Newhaven in the next round and travel to Wick & Barnham next Saturday in the League.